Education
Nidwalden’s communities have a dense network of primary and orientation schools that enable children to attend primary school where they live and to network and establish themselves in their local communities. In most of the eleven communities there are day-care centres for children of preschool age. In the main town of Stans, there is the Collegium St. Fidelis secondary school, with around 500 pupils, which offers the federal baccalaureate qualification as a long-term baccalaureate school.
Secondary school
The Collegium St. Fidelis is a cantonal secondary school, which offers the federal baccalaureate qualification as a long-term baccalaureate school. It was founded as a Latin school in 1749, and from 1877 onwards it was run by the Capuchin monastery for 111 years. In 1988, the Canton of Nidwalden took over management of the school and closed the boarding school. Even today, the “Kollegi,” as the grammar school is called here with respect and affection, attaches importance to holistic education. Many of the former “collegians” stay in touch for a long time after completing their baccalaureate and into retirement age.
Company training
In Switzerland, vocational education and training follows on from compulsory schooling or an equivalent qualification. In addition to traditional training in a company, referred to here in Switzerland as an apprenticeship (“Lehre”), basic vocational education and training can also be completed as part of a full-time school programme such as an apprenticeship workshop or a commercial secondary school. Numerous large, medium-sized and small businesses in the canton offer attractive apprenticeships. The Cantonal Office for Vocational Training and Secondary Schools helps with choosing a career and finding an apprenticeship.
Universities
Nidwalden has good access to business, university and higher education centres throughout Switzerland. The University of Lucerne and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts can be reached in 15 minutes by public transport from Stans.
International schools
The FOUR-FOREST Bilingual International School is a private day school offering high-quality bilingual education.
ISZL is an independent, non-profit day school that serves the international community of Central Switzerland by offering comprehensive education from an early age to university preparation at the ages of 3 to 18.
The Stiftschule Engelberg is a boarding school for girls and boys. It offers secondary school as well as short- and long-term baccalaureate school. The students live in the boarding school during the week and are also welcome to stay over the weekend.
Continuing education
Continuing education in Nidwalden is practice-based and supported by experts from the region.
How can we help?
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
+41 41 618 76 54
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.